They allow you to send your applicants a customized application, from where you can have them screened for their credit, criminal and eviction history.

Aside from the credit, criminal, and eviction reports, the basic info you should ask for would be employment history, rental history, 2-3 references, and 2 emergency contacts to keep on file.

Most landlords - smart ones - run both, plus a criminal check. 

@Noah Willard Have you actually ran the candidates credit, criminal, income, and eviction background to verify what they are claiming?

Like a sex offender or violent criminal?

If they keep asking, we just block them.In my market, if someone is even remotely qualified (income, no evictions, no criminal background) they usually get the apartment.

I tell people over the phone that I don't charge an application fee, but that I do prescreen (evictions, criminal background, income, number of occupants, smoking, pets) over the phone before I will show it. 

A person engaging in criminal activity wouldn't announce where they will be.   

Acceptable criteria is fairly straightforward when it comes to past evictions and criminal history, but a large number of students don’t have jobs or credit. 

Our role as a property manager is to:1) Put the right people in the units; Meaning well-qualified applicants who have stable income/employment, positive rental, credit, eviction, and criminal records, and are a good fit for the property, while staying within the scope of fair housing laws. 2) Minimize vacancy and turnover3) Maximize rent and rent collections (and provide the tech to make this painless and easy for tenants and owners)4) Maintain the property and curb appeal (and provide the tech and staff to make maintenance responsive and relatively painless).